Letters: How British banks turned synonymous with poor customer support

How the Authorities might repair the dental disaster

SIR – The current NHS dental contract has all however killed off NHS dentistry on this nation (“Queue that exhibits the state of NHS dentistry”, report, February 6). It offers a cap on the Authorities’s NHS dental price, however it’s grossly unfair and actively discourages dentists from taking over new NHS sufferers

A return to the earlier fee-per-item contract and the liberty to arrange a brand new NHS follow with no need an NHS dental contract would in a short time enhance the scenario.

Sadly that is unlikely to occur, as it will require an enormous enhance in NHS dental funding.

Peter Rosie BDS
Ringwood, Hampshire

SIR – After I obtained the analysis of a defective coronary heart valve final September, I felt the identical sense of dread about having to cope with the NHS that Tim Stanley did (“What my operation taught me about ‘our’ NHS”, Remark, February 5).

Like him, I can testify to the kindness and attentiveness of the NHS employees concerned. I’m presently on an “pressing” ready listing for coronary heart surgical procedure. If that is the “tenderness” the article mentions, then the “horror” of the NHS is in its dysfunctional communication and administration. I waited 35 days earlier than a useful prescription was issued and it was almost seven weeks earlier than I had a scan.

After I raised a priority by the Affected person Recommendation and Liaison Service (Buddies), the reason given was that the 2 well being trusts I’m coping with have completely different laptop methods. As well as, hospital secretaries are overburdened with “signing off” clinic letters, reviews and take a look at outcomes.

There may be frequent point out of the scandal of ready lists and inefficiency within the NHS, however I imagine the primary problem of poor, delayed communication between sufferers, hospital departments and surgical procedures is essentially under-reported.

Graham Brownridge
Scarborough, North Yorkshire

SIR – What a beautiful article by Tim Stanley. He sums up what many people really feel in regards to the NHS however couldn’t have put into phrases: “Nice at care, horrible at managing it.” 

That claims all of it. Thanks, Mr Stanley, for pointing it out.

Judy Davies
Tenby, Pembrokeshire